Rend Lake State Fish &
Wildlife Area

Outdoor
enthusiasts will find a haven of recreational activities, with 18,900 acres of water and over 20,000 acres
of land in Jefferson and Franklin counties, Rend Lake provides ample opportunities
for hunting and fishing. Rend Lake is located between Mt. Vernon and Benton,
just off Interstate 57.

The
Illinois Department of Natural Resources has management responsibility
for the Big Muddy and Casey Fork subimpoundments plus the Rend Lake Refuge,
while the remainder of the wildlife area is managed by personnel from
the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Portions of Rend Lake are managed intensively
for waterfowl, providing both habitat and hunter opportunity for ducks
and geese. Around the perimeter of the fish and wildlife area and scattered
throughout are areas well-suited for deer, squirrel, rabbit and quail
hunting. Additional recreation ammenities, such as camping, golfing, tennis,
are located nearby at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, and at sites managed by the Corps of Engineers
and the Rend Lake Conservancy District.

History

Rend
Lake was built as a joint project by the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources, the Rend Lake Conservancy District, and the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. Construction of this 18,900 acre reservoir commenced in 1965 as a means for providing a dependable
domestic water supply to a two-county area. Construction
of the $60 million project took 5 years, with the final
filling of the lake in the early 1970s. Since that time, many improvements
have been made resulting in quality facilities. The Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area was developed to
provide public hunting and other recreational opportunities.

Camping and Lodging

Overnight
visitors can stay at the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park which has primitive
and developed camp sites, or at the Corps of Engineers campgrounds on
Rend Lake. For those who prefer not to camp, the Rend Lake Resort, which
has waterside rooms and marina facilities, is located within Wayne Fitzgerrell.

Boating

Boating enthusiasts will find easy
access to Rend Lake. Within the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area,
eight of the 19 public access areas provide launching ramps. There are
also five additional ramps within the subimpoundment used seasonally for
waterfowl hunting. Rend Lake is a relatively shallow reservoir, averaging
less than 10 feet in depth with many submerged and exposed stumps, therefore,
boaters must be alert while operating in these areas.

Hunting

Rend Lake has earned the reputation of being
one of the better waterfowl hunting areas in the state for both ducks
and geese. The subimpoundment dams located across the Big Muddy River
and Casey Fork Creek and the upstream areas they impound, are planted
to a variety of crops and flooded when mature for optimum waterfowl
hunting. An on-site daily drawing is conducted for the allocation of goose
pits at the popular Whistling Wings Access Area and staked locations throughout
the Casey Fork Sub impoundment. There also are considerable acreages at
high elevations that provide excellent habitat and opportunity for archery
and firearm deer hunting. Another popular attraction is the annual controlled
pheasant hunt held at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. For additional
hunting information see the Hunter
Fact Sheet

Fishing

As a relatively shallow reservoir, Rend Lake is quite productive for both
sport and commercial fish. All species of fish common to southern Illinois
can be found at Rend Lake; however, abundant and large crappie and channel
catfish will delight any angler. Hybrid striped bass also are a popular
catch and flathead catfish have become established generating considerable
angler interest. A commercial fishing program is conducted each winter
which allows the general public to purchase fresh buffalo, carp and other
commercial species.

Other

Rend
Lake Conservancy District manages a championship 18-hole golf
course for those who want a break from fishing and hunting. Another
choice would be a game of tennis at either the Conservancy District
or at the Rend Lake Resort. Numerous dog field trials are held
at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park during the fall and winter months
which are enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. A viewing
tower is available within the Rend Lake Refuge for those who would
like to observe waterfowl and other wildlife.

While groups of 25 or
more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required
to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling
conflicts.

At least one responsible
adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.

Pets must be kept on
leashes at all times.

Actions by nature can
result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park
office before you make your trip.

We hope you enjoy your
stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints.

For more information
on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.